«From 2019 until today, goods exports increased by 46%. From 32 billion euros, they reached 47 billion. While compared to the pre-crisis period they have more than doubled both in volume and as a percentage of GDP. For 2030, with the Five-Year Extroversion Plan, which includes measurable targets and specific actions, we seek to increase goods exports by 45%, so as to reach 70 billion euros».
This was pointed out by the vice president of the government, Kostis Hatzidakis, speaking yesterday in Thessaloniki at the general assembly of the Exporters' Association. The target, as he pointed out, will be achieved:
- By upgrading Enterprise Greece and Export Credit Greece, so that they provide comprehensive support to exporters.
- By strengthening the Offices of Economic and Commercial Affairs around the world.
- By the further digitization of extroversion services.
- By more targeted international promotion of the country and organized promotion of our national brand. India, for example, is obviously a major national target because it is a huge market.
The vice president of the government stressed that the increase in exports was the result of the effort of Greek businesses that did not settle for the inward-looking production model and sought new markets, invested in quality, and turned the crisis into an opportunity. «However», he added, «I am entitled to say that as a State we also did our duty. We created an environment that allows Greek businesses to grow and claim the position they deserve in international markets. With the restoration of confidence in the Greek economy, pro-investment reforms, active economic diplomacy, the reduction of bureaucracy at customs, and the support of exporting businesses, especially small and medium-sized ones, with specialized financing programs».
Specifically regarding export policy, Kostis Hatzidakis noted: «We are moving forward consistently with the implementation of the National Extroversion Strategy, which we approved at the Government Council for Economic Policy ten months ago. Within the framework of this strategy, the Government Committee on Extroversion has already been established and is operating. An institutional body with an upgraded role, in which SEVE and other export bodies actively participate».
In addition to the quantitative improvement, Kostis Hatzidakis also focused on the qualitative composition of exports. «In high-technology products the growth rate was 70%, that is, much faster than the average. Alongside established sectors such as food, an increasingly diversified export base of high-technology goods is developing. To which electronic products, scientific instruments, pharmaceuticals, computers, and chemicals make a significant contribution. These figures debunk the myth that the country's development is based exclusively on tourism and that Greece does not produce even a pin», he said characteristically.
Referring specifically to Northern Greece, the vice president of the government noted that it has long been one of the country's most dynamic export regions and Greece's natural gateway to the Balkans and Southeastern Europe. «The big challenge», he said, «is to capitalize on the advantage of the geographical position so that Northern Greece develops into a strong regional hub of trade, production, and investment. This is not a theoretical ambition. It is a goal supported by specific projects. By the extension of the 6th Pier of the port of Thessaloniki, in combination with its rail connection that is progressing. By the significant railway and road projects being implemented in the wider area. By the redevelopment of the Thessaloniki International Fair. And of course by the private investments being made in all sectors of the economy».
«The extroversion of the Greek economy for many years was a vision. Today it is a reality reflected in exports, in investments, in the presence of Greek businesses in international markets», Kostis Hatzidakis concluded. «The dilemma for the coming years is whether we will continue to change for the better or whether we will return to ways of thinking that were tried and failed. We choose the path of responsibility, fiscal seriousness, reforms, healthy entrepreneurship, and extroversion. From here on, the goal for the whole society should be: Seriousness should defeat populism. Results should prevail over big words. And planning should put improvisation aside. This is the greatest achievement of the last seven years, which we must protect. Greece can go even higher. And I am certain that, with cooperation between the state and the business world, with entrepreneurs who work and cooperate with their employees, with reforms and with self-confidence, it will succeed».